Monday, April 14, 2008

A very very bad day at the office & the excess of emotions which followed the hammering of Roscommon more than balanced by the excess of emotion which followed the lesson handed out by the Orchard men. Dublin now need a result against Meath on the 20th to gain promotion & after yesterday sme soul searching & back to basics play will be needed.

As expected Cullen & Moran started in their more traditional positions. It was the Dubs who got off to the perfect start with a pointed free from Conal Keaney & goal from Bernard Brogan that suggested it would be a fine day but it would look now mor like a mirage. Through the game the Dubs full back line struggled to hold Ronan Clarke & Stevie McDonnell while Martin O'Rourke continued to rampage around the middle third. Pillar acted swiftly hauling in Derek Murray & introducing Paddy Andrews while Ger Brennan's bad headinjury saw Barry Cahill enter the fray. At half time the Blues were only behind by 2 & but for some poor finishing it could have been more.

The crowd were expecting more changes in defnce but it was Ciaran Whelan who was to come on for the restart, replacing Paul Flynn. Perhaps with hindsight other changes should have been made as Armagh were to give the Dubs a lesson in goal finishing. Again Clarke & McDonnell shone through & when midfielder Vernon burst through & after a one two with Clarke blasted to the net. McDonnell was next goaling after a good move led by Stephen Kernan & finally Clarke hitting home ater the Dubs defence allowed him come in unchallenged believing a ball had gone wide. Play the whistle lads. Dublin's day was made when captain Alan Brogan a 2nd half sub saw a straight red & now misses the key clash with the Royallers. Credit to Keaney, Bernard Brogan, Sherlock & Fennell who battled throughout but it will be tense 70 minutes next Sunday in the 'Nell.